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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: Stuart Kelly - Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation

Book of the Week: Stuart Kelly - Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation: Episode 5

Factual: Life Stories

Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation

Episode 5

Stuart Kelly - Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Stuart Kelly - Scott-land: The Man Who Invented a Nation, Episode 5

Sir Walter Scott's critical reputation nosedives after the prolific author's death.

Walter Scott's critical reputation was savaged after his death. But, as Stuart Kelly discovers, the images of Scotland he created take hold in the public consciousness.

His name, image and influence can be seen everywhere; from Scottish banknotes to place names across the globe. Sir Walter Scott invented the modern novel, began Scotland's tourist industry and was the first celebrity author - a heady mix of JK Rowling and Dan Brown long before the age of mass media hype. Lauded by contemporary critics as well as his massive readership in the 19th century, he's hardly read - and even more rarely enjoyed - today.

Stuart Kelly considers the backlash which hit Scott's work after the prolific author's death. Although his critical reputation would never recover, the images of Scotland which Walter Scott created - the romantic landscapes populated by isolated, kilted natives - haunt Scotland to this day. 

Stuart Kelly was born and brought up in the Scottish Borders. He studied English at Oxford and is the Literary Editor of Scotland on Sunday.

Reader: Robin Laing
Abridger: Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Stuart Kelly examines the powerful images of Scotland created by Sir Walter Scott

Stuart Kelly examines the powerful images of Scotland created by Sir Walter Scott, the world's first celebrity author

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